In situ treatment analysis mixing system

ABSTRACT

The present invention describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for controlled delivery of wellbore fluids including analysis and treatment within the methods, systems, and apparatuses themselves.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/921,295,filed on Oct. 23, 2015 (issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 10,213,757 on Feb. 26,2019). The above referenced patent application is incorporated herein byreference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field

In various embodiments are describe methods, systems, and apparatusesfor controlled delivery of fluids for wellbore operations includinganalysis and treatment within the methods, systems, and apparatusesthemselves. In various embodiments one of the wellbore operations can befracturing.

The present state of the art does not include a method and apparatus fortreating multiple streams of fluids having different chemical andphysical characteristics, and controllably blending the multiple streamsto obtain a predefined target physical and/or chemical characteristics.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,162,048; 8,211,296; 8,226,832; 8,316,935; 8,540,022;8,640,901; 8,834,016; 9,052,037; 9,144,775; and United States PatentApplication Publication No. 2010/0059226 are incorporated herein byreference.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described beloware pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill inthe relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of theinvention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated asbeing “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

In various embodiments are provided methods, systems, and apparatusesfor blending treatment of multiple pressurized fluid streams for thecontrolled delivery of fluids for wellbore operations satisfying one ormore predefined target physical and/or chemical characteristics.

In various embodiments the method and apparatus can controllably blendmultiple streams of pressurized fluid having differing chemical and/orphysical characteristics between the streams to achieve a selectedpredefined target physical or chemical characteristic of the blendedstream and at a selected predefined blended stream flow rate.

In various embodiments the method and apparatus can include the stepsof:

a) providing first and second pressurized sources of aqueous base fluidhaving first and second flow rates for creating a blended pressurizedflow having a blended target flow rate and blended target predeterminedphysical and/or chemical characteristic values;

b) blending the first and second pressurized sources of fluid creating ablended pressurized stream of aqueous base fluid having a blended flowrate;

c) testing the blended pressurized stream aqueous base fluid todetermine the blended stream's physical and/or chemical characteristicdata;

d) comparing the tested physical and/or chemical characteristic data ofthe blended stream of step “b” to the target physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic values for the blended stream;

e) based on the comparison made in step “d” a controller, operativelyconnected to the first and second streams, altering the first and secondflow rates while maintaining substantially the same target blended flowrate; and

f) repeating steps “c” through “e” until the blended pressurized streamof aqueous base fluid achieves the target predetermined physical andchemical characteristic values.

In various embodiments a base fluid can be used as a base or componentpart for preparation of a final fluid for use in wellbore operations.

In various embodiments the method and apparatus can determine that atarget physical and/or chemical characteristic value has been achievedwhere the actual tested value of the physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic data for the blended pressurized stream varies from thetarget value by at most 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08,0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 33,3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 percent. In various embodiments, thepercentage of variation can fall within a range of between any two ofthe above specified maximum percentage variation.

In various embodiments testing step “c” is performed at specified timedintervals (and/or within ranges of specified time intervals) asdescribed in other embodiments in this application. In variousembodiments testing step “c” includes determining the flow rates of thefirst and second pressurized streams.

In various embodiments the method can include the additional step oftesting one or more of the first or second pressurized streams todetermine said stream's physical and/or chemical characteristics priorto blending of these first and second streams.

In various embodiments the method and apparatus can determine thatsubstantially the same flow rate for the blended flow rate has beenachieved where the actual measured flow for the blended pressurizedstream varies from the target flow rate by at most 0.01, 0.02, 0.03,0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7,0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 33, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8,8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 percent. Invarious embodiments, the percentage of variation can fall within a rangeof between any two of the above specified variation percentages.

In various embodiments the method can include the steps of:

a) providing first and second pressurized sources of an aqueous basefluid for use in wellbore fluid production having respective flow ratesand a system for controlling the flow rates of the first and secondpressurized sources comprising first and second controllable valvesoperatively connected to the first and second pressurized sources, firstand second flow sensors, and a controller operatively connected to thefirst and second valves and flow sensors, and a blended stream sensorthat is operatively connected to the controller;

b) blending the first and second pressurized sources of aqueous basefluid together into a blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid;

c) the blended stream sensor testing at predetermined timed intervalsthe blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid to determine aphysical and/or chemical characteristic of the blended pressurizedsource;

d) comparing within the predetermined timed intervals the testedphysical and/or chemical characteristics of the blended pressurizedsource of aqueous base fluid to predetermined target physical and/orchemical characteristic values suitable for wellbore operations; and

e) based on the comparison made in step “d”, modifying the physicaland/or chemical characteristics of the blended pressurized source ofaqueous base fluid by altering the flow rates of the first and secondpressurized sources of an aqueous base fluid within the predeterminedtimed intervals.

In various embodiments the predefined target physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic values of the blended pressurized source of aqueous basefluid can be selected from the group consisting of: pH,oxidation/reduction potential, turbidity/haze, total oxygen demand,viscosity, ionic strength/conductivity, specific chemical and/or metalsconcentrations, ionic strength/conductivity, specific chemicalconcentrations, density, crystallization temperature, biocide and/ormicrobial demand, free and total bromine/chlorine and/orbromine/chlorine residuals, and combinations thereof.

In various embodiments the method and apparatus can controllably blendmultiple streams of pressurized fluid having differing chemical and/orphysical characteristics between the streams to achieve a selectedpredefined target physical and/or chemical characteristic values for theblended stream and at a predefined target blended stream flow rate.

In various embodiment the treatment of a pressurized source of aqueousbase fluid includes the step of blending multiple pressurized streams toachieve a predefined target physical and/or chemical value, where thetreatment selected from the treatment group consisting of: pH buffering,viscosity modification such as the addition of polymers/viscosifiers toincrease viscosity or break polymers/viscosifiers in the fluid todecrease viscosity, filtration, anti-microbial treatment including oneor more oxidizing and/or non-oxidizing biocides/antimicrobials, metalcontamination treatment(s), ionic strength adjustment, and or adjustingcrystallization inhibitors.

In various embodiments the method and apparatus can include the stepsof:

a) providing a plurality of pressurized sources of an aqueous base fluidfor use in wellbore fluid production having respective flow rates, andproviding predetermined target physical and/or chemical characteristicvalues for wellbore operations;

b) blending at least two of the pressurized sources of aqueous basefluid creating a blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid;

c) testing the blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid todetermine the blended source's physical and/or chemical characteristics;

d) comparing the tested physical and/or chemical characteristic valuesof the blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid of step “b” tothe predetermined target physical and/or chemical characteristic valuesfor the fluid to determine if the target values are satisfied;

e) based on the comparison made in step “d” altering the flow rates ofat least one of the plurality of pressurized sources of aqueous basefluid of step “a”; and

f) repeating steps “c” through “e” until the blended pressurized sourceof aqueous base fluid achieves the predetermined target physical and/orchemical characteristic values.

In various embodiments the method can include the steps of:

a) providing first and second pressurized sources of an aqueous basefluid for use in wellbore fluid production and having respective flowrates and a system for controlling the flow rates of the first andsecond pressurized sources comprising first and second controllablevalves operatively connected to the first and second pressurizedsources, first and second flow sensors, and a controller operativelyconnected to the first and second valves and flow sensors, and a sensorthat is operatively connected to the controller;

b) blending the first and second pressurized sources of aqueous basefluid together into a blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid;

c) testing at predetermined timed intervals the blended pressurizedsource of aqueous base fluid to determine a physical or chemicalcharacteristic;

d) comparing within the timed intervals the tested physical or chemicalcharacteristic of the blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluidto predetermined physical and chemical characteristic data for thewellbore fluid to identify suitability of the blended pressurized sourcefor wellbore operations; and

e) based on the comparison made in step “d”, modifying the physical orchemical characteristic of the blended pressurized source of aqueousbase fluid by altering the flow rates of the first and/or secondpressurized sources of an aqueous base fluid within the predeterminedtimed intervals.

In various embodiments is provided a method and apparatus that monitorsand controls an aqueous base source of pressurized fluid for use inwellbore fluid production comprising:

a) first and second controllable valves operatively connected to firstand second pressurized sources of an aqueous base fluid for a wellborefluid and having respective flow rates;

b) first and second flow sensors;

c) a controller operatively connected to the first and second valves andflow sensors;

d) a blended sensor that is operatively connected to the controller;

e) wherein the first and second pressurized sources of aqueous fluid areblended together into a blended pressurized source of an aqueous basefluid;

f) wherein the blended sensor tests at predetermined timed intervals theblended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid to determine a physicalor chemical characteristic values;

g) wherein the controller compares within the predetermined timedintervals the tested physical or chemical characteristic values of theblended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid to a predeterminedtarget physical and/or chemical characteristic values for the fluid toidentify if the target value has been achieved; and

h) wherein based on the comparison made in step “f”, the controllermodifies the physical and/or chemical characteristic of the blendedpressurized source of aqueous base fluid by altering the flow rates ofthe first and/or second pressurized sources of aqueous base fluid withthe first and/or second controllable valves until the target values hasbeen achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an overall schematic diagram of the method and apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a flow controller system.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a flow controller system.

FIG. 4 is an end view of a flow controller system.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a flow controller systemdischarging into a blending manifold, which in turn discharges into aplurality of tanks.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a flow controller systemdischarging into a blending manifold, which in turn discharges into asingle effluent line.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of sampling piping.

FIG. 8 is an end view of sampling piping.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sensor, which can be used in thesampling piping of FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of a blending manifold that canbe used in various embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a perspective cut away view of the blending manifold of FIG.10A.

FIGS. 12A, 12B 12C, and 12D are a flowchart of the method steps of oneembodiment of the method and apparatus.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are is a flowchart of the method steps of a thirdembodiment of the method and apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-line combinationbefore being controllably blended with another pressurized stream usingthe method and apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative embodimentwhere two flow controller systems/apparatuses can be placed in serieswith each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structureor manner.

In various embodiments the method and apparatus 10 can controllablyblend multiple streams of pressurized fluid (e.g., streams 100 and 150)having differing chemical and/or physical characteristics between thestreams to achieve a selected predefined target physical or chemicalcharacteristic of the blended stream 1300 and at a selected predefinedblended stream flow rate.

In various embodiments the types of predefined target physical and/orchemical characteristics of the blended stream 1300 can be selected fromthe group consisting of pH, oxidation/reduction potential,turbidity/haze, total oxygen demand, viscosity, ionicstrength/conductivity, specific chemical and/or metals concentrations,ionic strength/conductivity, specific chemical concentrations, density,crystallization temperature, biocide and/or microbial demand, free andtotal bromine/chlorine and/or bromine/chlorine residuals, andcombinations thereof.

In various embodiments the method and apparatus 10 can controllablyblend multiple streams of pressurized fluid (e.g., streams 100 and 150)having differing chemical and/or physical characteristics between thestreams to achieve a selected predefined target physical or chemicalcharacteristic of the blended stream 1300 and at a selected predefinedblended stream flow rate. In various embodiments the treatment based onthe blending of the multiple streams can be selected from the treatmentgroup consisting of: pH buffering, viscosity modification such as theaddition of polymers/viscosifiers to increase viscosity or breakpolymers/viscosifiers in the fluid to decrease viscosity, filtration,anti-microbial treatment including one or more oxidizing and/ornon-oxidizing biocides/antimicrobials, metal contamination treatment(s),ionic strength adjustment, and or adjusting crystallization inhibitors.

In various embodiments the method and apparatus 10 can include the stepsof:

a) providing a plurality of pressurized sources 115, 165 of an aqueousbase fluid having first and second flow rates for creating a blendedpressurized flow 1100 having a blended target flow rate and targetpredetermined physical and chemical characteristic data;

b) blending the pressurized sources 115 and 165 fluid creating a blendedpressurized stream of aqueous base fluid 1100 of the target flow rate;

c) testing the blended pressurized stream aqueous base fluid 1100 todetermine the blended stream's actual physical and chemicalcharacteristics;

d) comparing the tested physical and chemical characteristic data of theblended stream of step “b” to the target physical and chemicalcharacteristic data for the wellbore fluid;

e) based on the comparison made in step “d” a controller 600 alteringthe first and second flow rates while maintaining substantially the sametarget blended flow rate; and

f) repeating steps “c” through “e” until the blended pressurized streamof aqueous base fluid 1100 achieves the predetermined physical andchemical characteristics.

In various embodiments the method and apparatus 10 can determine that atarget physical and/or chemical characteristic value has been achievedwhere the actual tested value of the blended pressurized stream 1100varies from the target value by at most 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05,0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1,1.5, 2, 2.5, 33, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 percent. In variousembodiments, the percentage of variation can fall within a range ofbetween any two of the above specified variation percentages.

In various embodiments, the physical and/or chemical characteristic dataof the blended pressurized fluid stream can be tested at timedintervals. In various embodiments these timed intervals can be less than0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, or 59 seconds, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3,3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5,12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5,19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26,26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, or 30 minutes. In variousembodiments, these timed intervals can fall within a range of betweenany two of the above specified time intervals.

In various embodiments step “c” is performed at timed intervals (and/orwithin ranges of the specified time intervals) as described in otherembodiments in this application.

In various embodiments step “d” is performed within timed intervals(and/or within ranges) as described in other embodiments in thisapplication.

In various embodiments step “e” is performed at timed intervals (and/orwithin ranges) as described in other embodiments in this application. Invarious embodiments step “e” includes determining the flow rates of theplurality of pressurized sources 115,165 before and after alteration.

In various embodiments the timed intervals can be the same for steps“c”, “d”, and “e”.

In various embodiments a flow meter can be fluidly connected topressurized blended stream 1100 to determine its blended flow rate, andthis flow meter is also operatively connected to controller 600 to sendthe flow rate to the controller.

In various embodiments, the flow rates of the plurality of pressurizedfluid sources (and alternatively the flow rate of the blendedpressurized stream) can be measured at timed intervals. In variousembodiments these timed intervals can be less than 0.01, 0.02, 0.03,0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7,0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54,55, 56, 57, 58, or 59 seconds, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5,6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5,14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5,21, 21.5, 22, 22.5 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28,28.5, 29, 29.5, or 30 minutes. In various embodiments, these timeintervals can fall within a range of between any two of the abovespecified time intervals.

Example of Method And Apparatus

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating one embodiment of themethod and apparatus 10 for treating at least two commingled or blendedsteams of aqueous fluids from at least two different sources of aqueousbase fluid (e.g., sources 20, 40, 60, 80, and/or 120) to achieve aselected predefined target physical or chemical characteristic of theblended stream 1300 and at a selected predefined blended stream flowrate of the blended stream 1300.

In various embodiments step “c” includes determining the flow rates ofthe plurality of pressurized sources 115,165. In various embodiments themethod and apparatus 10 can determine that a target blended flow rate ofthe blended pressurized stream 1100 has been achieved where the actualtested value of the blended pressurized stream 1100 varies from thetarget value by at most 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08,0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 33,3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 percent. In various embodiments, thepercentage of variation can fall within a range of between any two ofthe above specified variation percentages. In various embodiments theactual tested value can be the combined values of the flow rates ofpressurized streams 100 and 150 as measured by flow meters 330 and 430.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the steps of:

-   -   (a) obtaining of fresh water (e.g., sources 20 and 40) and        produced water (e.g., sources 60,80, and/or 120) sources of        aqueous base fluids,    -   (b) two of said possible sources of aqueous base fluid are        selected and sent in pressurized lines (e.g., lines 100 and 150)        to a blending unit 800 for blending (see FIGS. 10A and 10B),        where a blending controller 200 intermittently measures and        controls the flow rates of the two pressurized lines 100 and 150        to achieve a selected predefined target physical or chemical        characteristics of the blended stream 1300 and at a selected        predefined blended stream flow rate;    -   (c) from the blending controller unit 200, the pressurized lines        100 and 150 are directed to the blending manifold 800 where the        fluid streams are blending into a single source of        blended/commingled aqueous fluid 1300; and    -   (d) this single pressurized source of blended/commingled aqueous        fluid 1300 can be sent and/or delivered to one or more frac        working tanks 1200 for use in wellbore operations.

The sources of aqueous base fluid for blending or mixing can includenatural water sources 20 such as lakes, rivers and streams, fresh orbrine water wells 40, and fluids from on or off location earthen pits60, single or battery frac tanks 80, and above ground storage tanks 120.

The system 10 preferably includes pumps 30 and 130 to pressurize andpump the fluids from the selected sources of aqueous base fluid20,40,60,80, and/or 120. The pumps 30 and 130 are preferably variableflow pumps. In various embodiments two pressurized streams 100 and 150can be provided, such as a produced water stream 100 and a fresh waterstream 150.

A flow controller system/apparatus 200 can be used to controllably varythe flow rates of pressurized fluid streams 100 and 150 to achieve aselected predefined target physical or chemical characteristics of theblended stream 1300 and at a selected predefined blended stream flowrate. FIGS. 2-4 show various views of the flow controllersystem/apparatus 200.

In various embodiments flow controller system/apparatus 200 can includecontroller 600 which is operatively connected to flow pipes 300 and 400.Flow pipe 300 can include controllable valve 340 and flow meter 330,both of which can be operatively connected to controller 600. Flow pipe400 can include controllable valve 440 and flow meter 430, both of whichcan be operatively connected to controller 600.

Controller 600 can relatively open and relatively close bothcontrollable valves 340 and 440. Such relative opening and closing ofthe valves 340 and 440 can be performed independently from the othervalve. That is, controller 600 can relatively open or close valve 340regardless of whether valve 440 is relatively opened or closed bycontroller 600, and vice versa. Controller 600 can relatively open andrelatively close both controllable valves 340 and 440 in order toachieve desired flow rates respectively through pipes 300 and 400. Flowmeters 330 and 430 can be used by controller in opening/closing valves340 and 440 in order to achieve the desired flow rates respectivelythrough pipes 300 and 400.

Flow pipe 300 can havebore 305 with first flange 310 and second flange320. Flow pipe 400 can havebore 405 with first flange 410 and secondflange 420.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, flow pipe 300 receives produced waterfrom the produced water stream input 100 via an inlet 310, where theproduced water flows through the bore 305 of the produced water pipe 300and exits from the produced water pipe 300 via an outlet 320. Theproduced water stream input 100, the produced water stream flowingthrough the bore 301 of the produced water pipe 300, and a producedwater stream output 110 together preferably define a produced waterstream 115.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, flow pipe 400 receives fresh waterfrom the fresh water stream input 150 via an inlet 410, where freshwater flows through the bore 405 of the fresh water pipe 400 and exitsfrom the fresh water pipe 400 via an outlet 420. The fresh water streaminput 150, the fresh water stream flowing through the bore 401 of thefresh water pipe 400 and a fresh water stream output 160 togetherpreferably defined a fresh water stream 165.

The flow controller system/apparatus 200 can include a plurality of flowmeters 330,430 fluidly connected to flow pipes 300 and 400. Theplurality of flow meters 330,430 measure the flow rates of the producedand fresh water streams 115,165. In one embodiment, the plurality offlow meters 330,430 measures the flow rates of the produced and freshwater streams 115, 165 continuously.

In various embodiments, flow meters 330, 430 can respectively measurethe flow rates of the pressurized fluid streams flowing through pipes300,400 at timed intervals. Flow meters 330, 430, for example, canmeasure the flow rates of the produced and fresh water streams 115, 165at timed intervals of 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08,0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43,44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, or 59seconds. In various embodiments flow meters 330,430 can also measure theflow rates of the pressurized fluid streams flowing through pipes300,400 in time intervals of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6,6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14,14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21,21.5, 22, 22.5 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28,28.5, 29, 29.5, or 30 minutes. In various embodiments, the time intervalwhere the plurality of flow meters 330,430 measures the flow rates ofthe produced and fresh water streams 115, 165 can be within a range ofbetween any two of the above specified time intervals.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-4, flow controller system/apparatus200 can include valves 340,440 respectively fluidly connected to pipes300,400 and operatively connected to controller 600. Controller 600 andvalves 340,440 are operatively configured to alter the flow rates of thepressurized fluid streams respectively in pipes 300,400. In variousembodiments valves 340,440 can be configured to be transitionablebetween an open position, where the pressurized fluid streams in pipes300,400 are generally unobstructed, and a closed position, where thepressurized fluid streams in pipes 300,400 are generally obstructed. Theplurality of valves 340,440 are preferably configured to betransitionable to a plurality of positions where the pressurized fluidstreams in pipes 300,400 are 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07,0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5,33, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11,11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18,18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25,25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32,32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39,40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5,47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5,54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60, 60.5,61, 61.5, 62, 62.5, 63, 63.5, 64, 64.5, 65, 65.5, 66, 66.5, 67, 67.5,68, 68.5, 69, 69.5, 70, 70.5, 71, 71.5, 72, 72.5, 73, 73.5, 74, 74.5,75, 75.5, 76, 76.5, 77, 77.5, 78, 78.5, 79, 79.5, 80, 80.5, 81, 81.5,82, 82.5, 83, 83.5, 84, 84.5, 85, 85.5, 86, 86.5, 87, 87.5, 88, 88.5,89, 89.5, 90, 90.5, 91, 91.5, 92, 92.5, 93, 93.5, 94, 94.5, 95, 95.5,96, 96.5, 97, 97.5, 98, 98.5, 99, 99.5, or 100 percent obstructed. Invarious embodiments, the percentage the valves 340,440 can obstruct theflow of the either the two pressurized fluid streams 115,165 can bewithin a range of between any two of the above specified percentages. Inone embodiment, the valves 340,440 can be butterfly valves.

The flow controller system/apparatus 200 may also include pig catchers305, 405 that preferably positioned within the bores 301,401 of theproduced and fresh water pipes 300, 400 and are sized and shaped to fitwithin bores 301,401. The pig catchers 305, 405 preferably includecrossing bars each having a length that is at most equal to the diameterof the bores 301,401.

The pressurized fluid streams 115 and 165 can be directed to a blendingmanifold 800 for blending and mixing these two pressurized fluidstreams. FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11 show various views of one embodiment of ablending manifold 800, and this manifold can include inlets 810,820, amixing/blending interior, and a plurality of outlets 860,861, etc. FIG.11 is a perspective cutaway view of the blending manifold 800schematically showing the two separately pressurized fresh and producedwater sources 115,165 being blended and/or commingled into a singlepressurized source of pressurized blended/commingled fluid 1101. Invarious embodiments blending manifold 800 can have multiple outputconnections 860,861,930 for access to this single pressurized source ofblended/commingled fluid 1100. The blended/commingled fluid 1101 exitingfrom the multiple output connections 860,861,930 defines a blendedpressurized fluid stream 1100.

As shown in FIG. 1, pressurized stream 110 enters the blending manifold800 through the inlet 820 and pressurized stream 160 enters the blendingmanifold 800 through the inlet 810. FIG. 11 shows pressurized stream 110and pressurized stream 160 entering the blending manifold 800, andmixing together 850 into the pressurized blended fluid stream 1100, andthereafter discharged.

The blended pressurized stream 1100 can be made up the combination ofstreams 115 and 165. In various embodiments controller 600 determinesthe relative fraction between stream 115 and 165 in making up theblended pressurized stream 1100. In various embodiments controller 600can set the fraction of pressurized stream 115 to blended pressurizedstream 1100 at 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09,0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 33, 3.5, 4,4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12,12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19,19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26,26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33,33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 40, 40.5,41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5,48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5,55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60, 60.5, 61, 61.5,62, 62.5, 63, 63.5, 64, 64.5, 65, 65.5, 66, 66.5, 67, 67.5, 68, 68.5,69, 69.5, 70, 70.5, 71, 71.5, 72, 72.5, 73, 73.5, 74, 74.5, 75, 75.5,76, 76.5, 77, 77.5, 78, 78.5, 79, 79.5, 80, 80.5, 81, 81.5, 82, 82.5,83, 83.5, 84, 84.5, 85, 85.5, 86, 86.5, 87, 87.5, 88, 88.5, 89, 89.5,90, 90.5, 91, 91.5, 92, 92.5, 93, 93.5, 94, 94.5, 95, 95.5, 96, 96.5,97, 97.5, 98, 98.5, 99, 99.5, or 100 percent. In various embodiments, Invarious embodiments controller 600 can set the fraction of pressurizedstream 115 to blended pressurized stream 1100 within a range of betweenany two of the above specified percentages. In various embodiments, therelative fraction of pressurized stream 165 can be equal to 1 minus thefraction of pressurized stream 115, which formula (i.e., 1−fraction ofstream 115) will also yield the relative fractional ranges forpressurized stream 165 to blended stream 1100.

In various embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the blended pressurizedstream 1100 can be discharged from the blending manifold 800 for on paddischarge to frac tanks 1200. In this embodiment, FIG. 11 shows theblended water stream 1100 being discharged from the blending manifold800 through a plurality of outlets 860,861. FIGS. 1 and 5 show theblending manifold 800 being fluidly connected to frac tanks 1200 with aplurality of outlet lines 900,901. The blended water stream 1100 beingdischarged from the blending manifold 800 through a plurality of outlets860,861 preferably flow through the plurality of outlet lines 900,901and into the frac tanks 1200. This embodiment is preferably advantageousfor live frac transfers, when providing data to frac personnel on thefly is needed, when there is a need to utilize on pad personnel tooperate system, and when the sources of aqueous base fluid 20, 40, 60,80, 120 are far from each other.

FIGS. 1 and 5 show an embodiment where at least one of the plurality ofoutlet lines 901 includes a downstream sampling apparatus 1000. Thedownstream sampling apparatus 1000 is preferably incorporated into theat least one of the plurality of outlet lines 901 such that the at leastone of the plurality of outlet lines 901 includes a first section 960,the downstream sampling apparatus 1000, and a second section 970. Thefirst section 960 preferably and fluidly connects the blending manifold800 to the downstream sampling apparatus 1000, where the blended waterstream 1100 exits the outlet 861, flows through the first section 960,and into the downstream sampling apparatus 1000.

In various embodiments controller 600 can be operatively connected to asensor, which sensor measures one or more physical or chemicalcharacteristics of the blended pressurized stream 1100. FIGS. 7 and 8show views of the downstream sampling apparatus 1000. The downstreamsampling apparatus 1000 preferably includes an inlet 1040, piping 1030having a bore 1032, sampling piping 1031, and an outlet 1060. Theblended water stream 1100 flows from the first section 960 and into thepiping 1030 via the inlet 1040 and through the bore 1032 and exits thedownstream sampling apparatus 1000 via the outlet 1060.

A portion of blended pressurized stream 1100 flowing through the piping1030 may be diverted through the sampling piping 1031 having a bore1033, where a sensor 1050 extending into the bore 1033 measures physicaland/or chemical characteristics of the blended stream 1100 at specifiedtime intervals. FIG. 9 shows a view of the sensor 1050. In oneembodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the sampling piping 1031 may include aplurality of sensors 1050. The sensors 1050 preferably measure thephysical and/or chemical characteristics of the blended water stream1100 in timed intervals. In various embodiments sensors 1050 can measurephysical or chemical characteristics selected from the group consistingof: pH, oxidation/reduction potential, turbidity/haze, total oxygendemand, viscosity, ionic strength/conductivity, specific chemical and/ormetals concentrations, ionic strength/conductivity, specific chemicalconcentrations, density, crystallization temperature, biocide and/ormicrobial demand, free and total bromine/chlorine and/orbromine/chlorine residuals, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, sensor 1050 can measure the physical and/or chemicalcharacteristics of the blended stream 1100 continuously. In oneembodiment, sensor 1050 can be an inductive conductivity sensor. In oneembodiment, sensor 1050 can include an ion specific electrode.

In various embodiments sensor 1050 can measure the physical and/orchemical characteristics of the blended water stream 1100 at timedintervals of 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1,0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, or 59 seconds. Thesensor 1050 can also measure the physical and/or chemicalcharacteristics of the blended water stream 1100 at timed intervals of1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5,10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5,17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5 23, 23.5, 24,24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, or 30 minutes.In various embodiments, the timed interval where sensor 1050 measuresthe physical and/or chemical characteristics of the blended stream 1100can fall within a range of between any two of the above specified timeintervals.

In various embodiments sampling piping 1031 extends into the bore 1032of the piping 1030 and includes inlet 1090 for receiving a portion ofthe blended stream 1100 flowing through the bore 1032 of the piping1030. The sampling pipe 1031 also includes an outlet 1010,1020 thatopens into the bore 1033 and is sized and shaped to receive an adapter1095 including the sensor 1050 such that the adapter 1095 seals theoutlet 1010,1020 and positions the sensor 1050 within the bore 1030 ofthe sampling piping 1031. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, thesampling piping 1031 may include a plurality of outlets 1010,1020. Asshown in FIG. 9, the outlet 1010,1020 preferably has an outer surfaceand external male threads 1096 on the outer surface near the top of theoutlet 1010,1020 and has an annular recess at the top of the outlet1010,1020 for receiving an annular gasket 1097.

The adapter 1095 preferably has an inner surface and internal femalethreads on the inner surface near the bottom of the adapter 1095. Whenthe adapter 1095 is screwed onto the outlet 1010,1020, the external malethreads 1096 engage the female threads of the adapter 1096 to create aseal 1098.

The sensor 1050 can be removed from the adapter 1095 such that thesensor 1050 can be replaced if it fails.

As the portion of the blended stream 1100 enters through the inlet 1090and flows through the bore 1033 of the sampling piping 1031, the portionof the blended water stream 1100 preferably flows around and/or throughthe sensor 1050 and exits the sampling piping 1030 via the outlet 1060,and back into the bore 1032 of the piping 1030.

The sampling piping 1031 may also include a plurality of valves1070,1080. The valves 1070,1080 are preferably positioned upstream anddownstream of the outlet 1010,1020 and control the flow of the portionof the blended water stream 1100 through the bore 1033 of the samplingpiping 1031. The valves 1070,1080 can prevent the portion of the blendedwater stream 1100 from flowing through the bore 1033 of the samplingpiping 1031. The prevention of the portion of the blended water stream1100 from flowing through the sampling piping 1031 could be used, forexample, to allow for the replacement of the sensor 1050 without havingto stop the blended water stream 1100 from flowing through the pipping1030.

The second section 970 preferably and fluidly connects the downstreamsampling apparatus 1000 to the frac tanks 1200, where the blended waterstream 1100 exits the outlet 1060, flows through the second section 970,and into the frac tanks 1200.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the blended water stream 1100can be discharged from the blending manifold 800 for inline delivery tonear sources/destination 1310. In this embodiment, FIG. 1 shows that theblended water stream 1100 is discharged from the blending manifold 800through an outlet 930 located at an end 910.

FIGS. 1 and 6 show the blending manifold 800 being fluidly connected tofrac tanks 1200 via a combination of an outlet line 950 and a line 1300to the near sources/destination 1310.

The blended stream 1100 being discharged from the blending manifold 800through an outlet 930 located at an end 910 preferably flows through anoutlet line 950 and the line 1300 to the near sources/destination 1310.This embodiment is preferably advantageous for pit to pit transfers andwhen the sources of aqueous base fluid 20, 40, 60, 80, 120 are near eachother. This embodiment preferably prevents the need to deployingmultiple flow controller system/apparatus 200 over potentially longdistances.

FIGS. 1 and 6 show an embodiment where the blending manifold 800 isfluidly connected via the outlet line 950 to a downstream samplingapparatus 1000′, where the blended water stream 1100 exits the outlet930, flows through the outlet line 950, and into the downstream samplingapparatus 1000′.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show views of the downstream sampling apparatus 1000′. Thedownstream sampling apparatus 1000′ preferably includes an inlet 1040′,piping 1030′ having a bore 1032′, sampling piping 1031′, and an outlet1060′. The blended water stream 1100 flows from the outlet line 950 andinto the piping 1030′ via the inlet 1040′ and through the bore 1032′ andexits the downstream sampling apparatus 1000′ via the outlet 1060′.

A portion of blended stream 1100 flowing through the piping 1030′ may bediverted through the sampling piping 1031′ having a bore 1033′, where asensor 1050′ extending into the bore 1033′ measures physical and/orchemical characteristics of the blended water stream 1100 in timeintervals. FIG. 9 shows a view of the sensor 1050′. In one embodiment asshown in FIG. 1, the sampling piping 1031′ may include a plurality ofsensors 1050′. The sensors 1050′ preferably measure the physical and/orchemical characteristics of the blended water stream 1100 in timedintervals. The sensors 1050 can preferably measure but are not belimited to: pH, oxidation/reduction potential, turbidity/haze, totaloxygen demand, viscosity, ionic strength/conductivity, specific chemicaland/or metals concentrations, ionic strength/conductivity, specificchemical concentrations, density, crystallization temperature, biocideand/or microbial demand, free and total bromine/chlorine and/orbromine/chlorine residuals, and combinations thereof. The sensor 1050′,for example, can measure the physical and/or chemical characteristics ofthe blended water stream 1100 in timed intervals of 0.01, 0.02, 0.03,0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7,0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54,55, 56, 57, 58, or 59 seconds. The sensor 1050′, for example, can alsomeasure the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the blendedwater stream 1100 in timed intervals of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5,5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5,13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5,20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27,27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, or 30 minutes. In various embodiments, thetime interval where the sensor 1050′ can measure the physical and/orchemical characteristics of the blended water stream 1100 can be withina range of between any two of the above specified time intervals. In oneembodiment, the sensor 1050′ measures the physical and/or chemicalcharacteristics of the blended water stream 1100 continuously. In oneembodiment, the sensor 1050′ is an inductive conductivity sensor. In oneembodiment, the sensor 1050′ includes an ion specific electrode.

The sampling piping 1031′ preferably extends into the bore 1032′ of thepiping 1030′ and includes inlet 1090′ for receiving a portion of theblended water stream 1100′ flowing through the bore 1032′ of the piping1030′. The sampling pipe 1031′ also includes an outlet 1010′,1020′ thatopens into the bore 1033′ and is sized and shaped to receive an adapter1095′ including the sensor 1050′ such that the adapter 1095′ seals theoutlet 1010′,1020′ and positions the sensor 1050′ within the bore 1030′of the sampling piping 1031′. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, thesampling piping 1031′ may include a plurality of outlets 1010′,1020′. Asshown in FIG. 9, the outlet 1010′,1020′ preferably has an outer surfaceand external male threads 1096′ on the outer surface near the top of theoutlet 1010′,1020′ and has an annular recess at the top of the outlet1010′,1020′ for receiving an annular gasket 1097′.

The adapter 1095′ preferably has an inner surface and internal femalethreads on the inner surface near the bottom of the adapter 1095′. Whenthe adapter 1095′ is screwed onto the outlet 1010′,1020′, the externalmale threads 1096′ engage the female threads of the adapter 1096′ tocreate a seal 1098′.

The sensor 1050′ can be removed from the adapter 1095′ such that thesensor 1050′ can be replaced if it fails.

As the portion of the blended water stream 1100 enters through the inlet1090′ and flows through the bore 1033′ of the sampling piping 1031′, theportion of the blended water stream 1100 preferably flows around and/orthrough the sensor 1050′ and exits the sampling piping 1030′ via theoutlet 1060′, and back into the bore 1032′ of the piping 1030′.

The sampling piping 1031′ may also include a plurality of valves1070′,1080′. The valves 1070′,1080′ are preferably positioned upstreamand downstream of the outlet 1010′,1020′ and control the flow of theportion of the blended water stream 1100 through the bore 1033′ of thesampling piping 1031′. The valves 1070′,1080′ can prevent the portion ofthe blended water stream 1100 from flowing through the bore 1033′ of thesampling piping 1031′. The prevention of the portion of the blendedwater stream 1100 from flowing through the sampling piping 1031′ couldbe used, for example, to allow for the replacement of the sensor 1050′without having to stop the blended water stream 1100 from flowingthrough the pipping 1030′.

The line 1300 preferably and fluidly connects the downstream samplingapparatus 1000′ to the near sources/destination 1310, where the blendedwater stream 1100 exits the outlet 1060′ and flows through the line 1300to the near sources/destination 1310.

Controller 600

The flow controller system/apparatus 200 preferably includes acontroller 600. FIGS. 2-4 include various views of the flow controllersystem/apparatus 200 showing components which include: (a) controller600, (b) produced and fresh water pipes 300,400, (c) produced and freshwater flow meters 330, 430 operatively connected to the controller 600,and (d) produced and fresh water valves 340, 440 operatively connectedto the controller 600.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller preferably includes a displayinterface 610, a flow meter converter for the produced water stream 620,and a flow meter converter for the fresh water stream 630.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of how controller 600 is incorporated withinthe system 10. The controller 600 preferably includes one or morenon-transitory computer-readable storage media embodying logic that isoperable when executed to receive sensing data, analyze the sensingdata, and control the operation of the system 10.

The controller 600 receives sensing data including flow rates of streams100 and 150 and the physical or chemical characteristic(s) of the fluidsflowing through the system 10.

For example, FIG. 1 shows that sensor data for the physical or chemicalcharacteristic(s) of the blended water stream 1100 acquired by thesensors 1050,1050′ are preferably transmitted to the controller 600 viasampling apparatus sensor lines 1080, 1080′.

For example, FIG. 1 shows that sensor data for the physical or chemicalcharacteristic(s) of either the produced or fresh water stream flowingthrough the pipes 300,400 and acquired by the sensors 520,520′ arepreferably transmitted to the controller 600 via sensor lines 530,530′.

For example, FIG. 1 shows that the data of flow rate measurements ofeither the produced or fresh water stream flowing through the pipes300,400 and acquired by the flow meters 330,430 are preferablytransmitted to the controller 600 via flow meter lines 350, 430. In oneembodiment, the data as indicated above may be transmitted wirelessly.

Based on the data regarding the physical or chemical characteristic(s)of either the produced or fresh water stream 115,165 and/or the blendedwater stream 1100 received from the sensors 520,520′,1050,1050′ and flowrates of either the produced or fresh water stream 115,165 from the flowmeters 330,440, the controller 600 can selectively control the amount ofopening and/or closing of the plurality of valves 340,440 that areoperatively configured to alter the flow rates of the produced and freshwater streams 115,165.

As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 600 can operatively connected tovalves 340,440 by valve control lines 360,460. In various embodimentscontroller 600 controls valves 340,440 to alter the flow rates of eitherpressurized stream 115 or 165 by up to 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05,0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1,1.5, 2, 2.5, 33, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5,10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5,17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5 23, 23.5, 24,24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31,31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38,38.5, 39, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5,46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, or 50 percent. In variousembodiments, the percentage valve 340 alters the flow rates of itsconnected stream 115 can be within a range of between any two of theabove specified percentages. In various embodiments, the percentagevalve 440 alters the flow rates of its connected stream 165 can bewithin a range of between any two of the above specified percentages. Invarious embodiments the altered percentage flow rates of the two streams115 and/or 165 can be different from each other.

In various embodiments, even after alteration of flow rates in stream115 and/or stream 165, the flow rate of blended stream 1100 can remainwithin a predefined range from the target flow rate of pressurizedblended stream 1100. In various embodiments, after alteration of flowrates in stream 115 and/or stream 165, the flow rate of blended stream1100 can be changed to a new target flow rate, and fall within apredefined limit from the new target flow rate. For example, the newtarget flow rate of pressurized blended stream 1100 can be increased by15 percent over an earlier target flow rate (e.g., the pressurized flowthrough stream 115 is increased by 15 percent of the pressurized blendedflow of blended stream 1100).

In various embodiments controller 600 decides, determines, and sends acontrolling signal to alter the flow rates in either pressurized stream115 and/or 165 by controlling valve 340 and/or valve 440 within selectedtimed intervals. In various embodiments the selected timed intervals canbe 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, or 59 seconds. In variousembodiments the selected timed intervals can be 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5,4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12,12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19,19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26,26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, or 30 minutes. In variousembodiments, the selected timed intervals can fall within a range ofbetween any two of the above specified selected time intervals.

Controller 600 Changing Pumping Feed Rates

In various embodiments controller 600 can be operatively connected toone or more of the pumps 30 and/or 130; and can selectively alter thefeed pump rates of one or more of these pumps 30 and/or 130. FIG. 1shows that the controller 600 is operatively connected to the pumps 30and/or 130 by respective pump control lines 31 and/or 131.

The pumps 30 and/or 130 can preferably alter the flow rates of eitherpressurized streams 115 and/or 165 by 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05,0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1,1.5, 2, 2.5, 33, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5,10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5,17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5 23, 23.5, 24,24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31,31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38,38.5, 39, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5,46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, or 50 percent. In variousembodiments, the percentage the pumps 30 and/or 130 can alter the flowrates of the either pressurized stream 115 and/or 165 within a range ofbetween any two of the above specified percentages.

In various embodiments, the controller 600 can alter both the positionof the plurality of valves 340,440 and feed pump rates of the pumps 30and/or 130 together.

The controller's 600 selective control of the plurality of valves340,440 and feed pump rates of the pumps 30 and/or 130 preferably allowsfor separate control of the flow rates of the produced or fresh waterstream 115,156.

The controller 600 can preferably analyze data regarding but is not belimited to: pH, oxidation/reduction potential, turbidity/haze, totaloxygen demand, viscosity, ionic strength/conductivity, specific chemicaland/or metals concentrations, ionic strength/conductivity, specificchemical concentrations, density, crystallization temperature, biocideand/or microbial demand, free and total bromine/chlorine and/orbromine/chlorine residuals, and combinations thereof. In a morepreferred embodiment, the controller has a control loop feedbackmechanism such as a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) processcontrol as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.

In various embodiments, the system 10 may further include apparatusesfor, but not limited to: pH buffering, viscosity modification such asthe addition of polymers/viscosifiers to increase viscosity or breakpolymers/viscosifiers in the fluid to decrease viscosity, filtration,anti-microbial treatment including one or more oxidizing and/ornon-oxidizing biocides/antimicrobials, metal contamination treatment(s),ionic strength adjustment, and or adding crystallization inhibitors. Forexample, the system 10 may further include, but is not limited to,apparatuses for dispensing disinfectant, sanitizer, slimicide,bactericide, algaecide, fungicide and molluscicide such as BIORID™solutions.

FIGS. 12-13 show embodiments that outline processes that the controller600 applies in operation of the system 10.

FIGS. 12A, 12B 12C, and 12D show embodiments and examples of the system10 for assessing chloride concentrations in the blend water stream 1100and/or altering the chloride concentrations by varying flow rates of theproduced and water streams 115,165 to provide the blend water stream1100 with a particular chloride concentration.

FIGS. 13A and 13B shows an embodiment and example of establishing acorrelation between physical or chemical characteristic(s) and themeasurements to be conducted by the sensors 520, 520′, 1050, 1050′ priorto method outlined in FIGS. 12A, 12B 12C, and 12D. Prior to engaging thepumps 30 and/or 130 to pump fluids from the sources of aqueous basefluid 20,40,60,80,120, the water quality specification such as thechloride concentration for blended/commingled aqueous fluid/water 1101and flow rates for the blended water stream 110 are preferablydetermined (step 1605). Acceptable range values centered on a nominalrequirement are preferably calculated from the water qualityspecification such as the chloride concentration for blended/commingledaqueous fluid/water 1101 (step 1610). Samples of the fluids from thesources of aqueous base fluid 20,40,60,80,120 are preferably extracted(steps 1615 and 1620). For example, the extracted samples include aproduced water sample 1615 that is representative of the produced waterstream 115 and a fresh water sample 1620 that is representative of thefresh water stream 165. The extracted samples of the fluids from thesources of aqueous base fluid 20,40,60,80,120 are preferablyrepresentative of the sources of aqueous base fluid 20,40,60,80,120. Theextracted samples of the fluids from the sources of aqueous base fluid20,40,60,80,120 are preferably analyzed to establish a correlationbetween physical or chemical characteristic(s) and the measurements tobe conducted by the sensors 520, 520′, 1050, 1050′ (steps 1625 and1630). For example, the produced and fresh water samples are analyzed tocorrelate conductivity of the samples, which is preferably what thesensors 520, 520′, 1050, 1050′ measure, to chloride concentration.

In this example, the chloride concentration and conductivity of theproduced and fresh water samples are determined and a theoretical blendratio is calculated to obtain the chloride concentration qualityspecification for blended/commingled aqueous fluid/water 1101 (step1635). At least a portion of the produced and fresh water samples1615,1620 are mixed together to according to the theoretical blendratio, where the chloride concentration and conductivity of the mixedsample is determined (steps 1640 and 1645). If there is a discrepancy1650 between chloride concentration of the mixed sample and the chlorideconcentration of the water quality specification, the blend ratio ofproduced and fresh water samples 1615,1620 may be adjusted to achievethe chloride concentration of the water quality specification where theconductivity of the adjusted blend ratio is assessed (steps 1655 and1660). The method of steps 1655 and/or 1660 can be repeated in order toget the chloride concentration equal to the water quality specification(step 1665). Once the adjusted blend ratio of produced and fresh watersamples 1615,1620 have a chloride concentration equal to the waterquality specification, the conductivity of the adjusted blend ratio ofproduced and fresh water samples 1615,1620 is measured (step 1670). Thetheoretical blend ratio may also be adjusted/fine-tuned and portions ofthe produced and fresh water samples are mixed according to theseadjusted theoretical blend ratio to create blends for determiningacceptable low and high threshold ranges (step 1675). The chlorideconcentration and conductivity of the blends and the blend ratio ofproduced and fresh water samples 1615,1620 have a chloride concentrationequal to the water quality specification are used to establish acorrelation between the chloride concentration and conductivity (step1680). The correlation is statistically analyzed to preferably assessthe strength of the correlation. For example with chloride concentrationand conductivity, the linearity of the correlation is tested. Thecorrelation and set points for conductivity and flow rates arepreferably entered into the controller 600 (step 1685).

FIGS. 12A, 12B 12C, and 12D show the steps of one embodiment and exampleof the system 10 for assessing chloride concentrations in the blendwater stream 1100 and/or altering the chloride concentrations by varyingflow rates of the produced and water streams 115,165 to provide theblend water stream 1100 with a particular chloride concentration. Basedon the correlation and set points for conductivity and flow rates, thecontroller 600 engages the pumps 30 and/or 130 to pump fluids from thesources of aqueous base fluid 20,40,60,80,120 into the produced andfresh water streams 115,116 and sets the valves 340,440 to a position(step 1405). As the produced and fresh water flows through the bores301,401 of the produced and fresh water pipe, the flow meters 330,430measure the flow rates of the produced and fresh water streams 115,165in timed intervals and transmits the measurements to the controller 600(step 1410).

The sensors 1050,1050′ measure the conductivity of the blended waterstream 1100 and transmits the measurements to the controller 600 (step1415), where the controller 600 analyzes the conductivity measurementsby comparing the measurements to the conductivity set point (step 1420).If there is a discrepancy between the conductivity measurements andconductivity set point 1425, the controller 600 further analyzes thediscrepancy and determines whether the conductivity measurements areeither less than 1435 or greater than 1440 the conductivity set point(step 1430).

If the conductivity measurements are less than 1435 the conductivity setpoint, the controller determines whether the valve 340 regulating theflow rate of the produced water stream 115 is at a position for a highlimit flow rate relative to the feed pump rate (step 1445). If the valve340 is not at the high limit position, the controller 600 changes theposition 340 of the valve to increase the flow rate of the producedwater stream 115 (step 1450). If the valve 340 is at the high limitposition, the controller 600 increases the feed pump rate to increasethe flow rate of the produced water stream 115 (step 1455). Thecontroller 600 preferably has a plurality of modes including anautomatic mode 1412 and a manual mode 1413. In the automatic mode, thecontroller 600 directly increases the feed pump rate (step 1460). In themanual mode, the controller 600 notifies an operator to increase thefeed pump rate (step 1465).

If the conductivity measurements are greater than 1440 the conductivityset point, the controller determines whether the valve 340 regulatingthe flow rate of the produced water stream 115 is at a position for alow limit flow rate relative to the feed pump rate (step 1470). If thevalve 340 is not at the low limit position, the controller 600 changesthe position 340 of the valve to decrease the flow rate of the producedwater stream 115 (step 1475). If the valve 340 is at the low limitposition, the controller 600 decreases the feed pump rate to decreasethe flow rate of the produced water stream 115 (step 1480). Thecontroller 600 preferably has a plurality of modes including anautomatic mode 1485 and a manual mode 1490. In the automatic mode, thecontroller 600 directly decreases the feed pump rate (step 1485). In themanual mode, the controller 600 notifies the operator to decrease thefeed pump rate (step 1490).

The controller 600 as indicted in FIGS. 12A, 12B 12C, and 12D preferablyprescribes either a valve 340 response or a feed pump rate response1455,1480 relative to the discrepancy 1435,1440. For example, greaterdifferences between the conductivity measurements and conductivity setpoint result in a greater valve 340 or feed pump rate responses1455,1480 and smaller differences between the conductivity measurementsand conductivity set point result in a smaller valve 340 or feed pumprate responses 1455,1480.

Any change in the position of the valve 340 or feed pump rate preferablyresults in a change in the flow rate of the produced water stream 115,which preferably results in a change in the flow rate of the blendedwater stream 1100 (step 1495). Any change in the flow rate of theproduced water stream 115 is measured by the flow meter 330, where theflow rate measurement is transmitted to the controller 600 (step 1500).The flow rate of the fresh water stream 165 is also preferably measuredby the flow meter 430 and transmitted to the controller 600 (step 1505).In various embodiments, the controller 600 can alter both the positionof the plurality of valves 340,440 and feed pump rates of the pumps30,50,70,90,130 together attain the set points for conductivity and flowrates for the blended water stream 1100.

In one embodiment, the controller 600 combines the flow rates of theproduced water stream 115 and fresh water stream 165 into a total flowrate (step 1510). Alternatively, the total flow rate can also be theflow rate of the blended water stream 1100. The controller 600 comparesthe total flow rate to the flow rate set point (step 1515). If there isa discrepancy 1520 between the total flow rate to the flow rate setpoint, the controller 600 further analyzes the discrepancy 1520 anddetermines whether the total flow rate is either less than 1530 orgreater than 1535 the flow rate set point (step 1525). In variousembodiments an actual blended stream flow meter can be used.

If the total flow rate is less than 1530 the flow rate set point, thecontroller 600 determines whether the valve 340,440 regulating the flowrates of the produced and/or fresh water streams 115,165 is at aposition for a high limit flow rate relative to the feed pump rate (step1540). If the valve 340,440 is not at the high limit position, thecontroller 600 can change the position of the valve 340,440 to eitherincrease or decrease the flow rate of the produced and/or fresh waterstreams 115,165 (step 1545). If the valve 340,440 is at the high limitposition, the controller 600 can increases the feed pump rate toincrease the flow rate of the produced and/or fresh water stream 115,165(step 1550). The controller 600 preferably has a plurality of modesincluding an automatic mode 1555 and a manual mode 1560. In theautomatic mode, the controller 600 directly increases the feed pump rate(step 1555). In the manual mode, the controller 600 notifies an operatorto increase the feed pump rate (step 1560).

If the total flow rate is greater than 1535 the flow rate set point, thecontroller determines whether the valve 340,440 regulating the flow rateof the produced and fresh water stream 115,165 are at a position for alow limit flow rate relative to the feed pump rate (step 1565). If thevalve 340,440 is not at the low limit position, the controller 600 canchange the position of the valve 340,440 to decrease the flow rate ofeither the produced water stream 115 or fresh water stream 165 (step1570). If the valve 340,440 is at the low limit position, the controller600 can decrease the feed pump rate to decrease the flow rates of theproduced and/or fresh water stream 115,165 (step 1575). The controller600 preferably has a plurality of modes including an automatic mode 1580and a manual mode 1585. In the automatic mode, the controller 600directly decreases the feed pump rate (step 1580). In the manual mode,the controller 600 notifies the operator to decrease the feed pump rate(step 1585).

The controller 600 as indicted in FIGS. 12A, 12B 12C, and 12D preferablyprescribes either a valve 340,440 response or a feed pump rate response1550,1575 relative to the discrepancy 1530,1535. For example, greaterdifferences between the total flow rate and flow rate set point resultsin a greater valve 340,440 or feed pump rate responses 1550,1575 andsmaller differences between the total flow rate and flow rate set pointresult in a smaller valve 340,440 or feed pump rate responses 1550,1575.The changes in the flow rates of either the produced water stream 115 orfresh water stream 165 preferably result in a total flow rate that ispreferably equal to the flow rate set point (step 1590). In variousembodiments, the controller 600 can alter both the position of theplurality of valves 340,440 and feed pump rates of the pumps 30 and/or130 together attain the set points for conductivity and flow rates forthe blended water stream 1100.

Determining Starting Ratios of Flow Rates

In various embodiments the method and apparatus 10 can determine aninitial starting fractional percentage for pressurized streams 115 and165 in making up blended fluid stream 1100. In various embodiments anarbitrary starting fractional percentage can be selected (e.g., 50/50)and the method and apparatus 10 can be used to modify the fractionalpercentages of pressurized streams 115 and 165 to achieve the targetpredefined physical or chemical characteristic of blended fluid stream1100.

Example 1: Determining Starting Ratios

Prior to operation of the system, set points for a value preferablyrelated a physical and/or chemical characteristic data for the wellborefluid (which can be a fracturing fluid) and a flow rate for thefracturing fluid are preferably determined. The physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic data and flow rate preferably refer to blended/commingledaqueous fluid/water 1101 of the blended stream 1100. To this extent, astarting ratio of flow rates for pressurized stream 115 and pressurizedstream 165 can be calculated and applied in starting operation of thesystem 10 to preferably achieve the target predefined physical orchemical characteristic of blended fluid stream 1100.

The actual values of the physical and/or chemical characteristic data ofpressurized streams 115 and 165 (compared to the target predefinedphysical or chemical characteristic of blended fluid stream 1100) arepreferably determined via testing of the sources for these streams (orthese streams themselves). Alternatively, the values of the physicaland/or chemical characteristic data of pressurized streams 115 and 165can be assumed.

In determining the starting fractions/ratios of flow rates ofpressurized streams 115 and 165, controller 600 can use the followingequations:(V _(stream 115) ×F _(stream 115))+(V _(stream 165) ×F _(stream 165))=V_(blended stream)Where V_(stream 115), V_(stream 165) are the actual values of thephysical and/or chemical characteristic data of pressurized streams 115and 165, and V_(blended stream) is the target predefined physical orchemical characteristic of blended fluid stream 1100 such as chloridelevels or pH values.

Additionally, F_(stream 115) and F_(stream 165) are the fractions of theparticular flow rates of streams 115 and 165 compared to the combinedflow rate of blended stream 1100 so that:F _(stream 115) +F _(stream 165)=1 and 1−F _(stream 115) =F_(stream165).

To determine the starting F_(stream 115): the following derivation canbe made:(V _(stream 115) ×F _(stream 115))+(V _(stream 165)×(1−F_(stream 115)))=V _(blended stream);F _(stream 115)=(V _(blended stream) −V _(stream 165))/(V _(stream 165)−V _(stream 115))F _(stream 16)=1−F _(stream 115)

For example:

If V_(blendedstream)=35,000 ppm of chloride, V_(stream 115)=175,000 ppmof chloride, and V_(stream 165)=1000 ppm of chloride; thenF_(stream 115)=0.20 and F_(stream 165)=0.80.

To get a blended water stream 1100 having 35,000 ppm of chloride with aflow rate of 90 BBL/min, the flow rate of the produced water stream 115should be 18 BBL/min and the flow rate of the fresh water stream 165should be 72 BBL/min.

In various embodiments, users can input upstream of the flow the ratioof recognized values for the produced water stream 115 and fresh waterstream 165 to be controlled.

In other embodiment, sensors can be used to acquire measurements of thevalues for the produced water stream 115 and fresh water stream 165 tobe sent to the controller 600.

In other embodiment, the values to be controlled are preferablydetermined by sensing a proxy value (i.e. conductivity for chlorideamount). In these embodiments, a transposition table for transposingoperation can be determined between the value to be controlled and theproxy value that is being measured.

Example 2: Changing Ratios

In another example when the system 10 is in operation, theV_(blended stream) does not equal the value set point for the blendedwater stream 1100 preferably entered into the controller 600. In casessuch as these, the flow rates of the produced water stream 115 and freshwater stream 165 may need to be altered in order for theV_(blended stream) to equal the value set point for the blended waterstream 1100. The discrepancy between the V_(blended stream) and valueset point can be understood to be:V _(blended stream set point) −V _(blended stream) =ΔV _(blended stream)Also, F _(stream 115) −F _(stream 165) =ΔF _(streams)(V _(stream 115) ×ΔF _(streams))−(V _(stream 165) ×ΔF _(streams))=ΔV_(blended stream)ΔF _(streams)(V _(stream 115) −V _(stream 165))=ΔV _(blended stream)ΔF _(streams) =ΔV _(blended stream)/(V _(stream 115) −V _(stream 165))

For example:

If V_(blended stream set point)=35,000 ppm of chloride andV_(blended stream)=10,000 ppm of chloride, thenΔV_(blended stream)=25,000 ppm

If V_(stream 115)=175,000 ppm of chloride, and V_(stream 165)=1000 ppmof chloride, then ΔF_(streams)=0.14

If the system 10 had F_(stream 115)=0.20 and F_(stream 165)=0.80, thecontroller 600 or an operator would change the flow rates of theproduced water stream 115 and fresh water stream 165 such thatF_(stream 115)=0.34 and F_(stream 165)=0.66.

In other embodiments, changing the flow rates of the produced waterstream 115 and fresh water stream 165 to attain a blended water stream165 having a value preferably equal to the value set point isaccomplished through iterative manipulation of the flow rates of theproduced water stream 115 and fresh water stream 165. In variousembodiment, the iterative manipulation of the flow rates of the producedwater stream 115 and fresh water stream 165 may be accomplished by theposition of the plurality of valves 340,440 and/or feed pump rates ofthe pumps 30,50,70,90,130. In various embodiment, the iterativemanipulation by selective control via the controller 600 and/or anoperator.

Optional Sensors on Flow Controller System/Apparatus

In various embodiments flow controller system/apparatus 200 canoptionally include sampling capability for fluid flowing through one orboth of pipes 300 and/or 400. In various embodiments a sampling piping500 can be included and fluidly connected to flow pipe 300 (or connectedto flow pipe 400). In various embodiments a second sampling piping 500′can be fluidly connected to the flow pipe 400 (e.g., the flow pipe thatsampling pipe 500 is not fluidly connected to).

A portion of the produced water flowing through the produced water pipe300 may be diverted through the sampling piping 500 having a bore 502,where a sensor 520 extending into the bore 502 measures physical and/orchemical characteristics of the produced water stream 115 in timeintervals. FIG. 9 shows a view of the sensor 520. In one embodiment, thesampling piping 500 may include a plurality of sensors 520. The sensors520 preferably measure the physical and/or chemical characteristics ofthe produced water stream 115 in timed intervals. In various embodimentsthe sensors 520 measure one or more physical and/or chemicalcharacteristics of one of the fluid streams in pipes 300,400, whichchemical or physical characteristic to be measured is selected from thegroup consisting of: pH, oxidation/reduction potential, turbidity/haze,total oxygen demand, viscosity, ionic strength/conductivity, specificchemical and/or metals concentrations, ionic strength/conductivity,specific chemical concentrations, density, crystallization temperature,biocide and/or microbial demand, free and total bromine/chlorine and/orbromine/chlorine residuals, and combinations thereof. The sensor 520,for example, can measure the physical and/or chemical characteristics ofthe produced water stream 115 in timed intervals of 0.01, 0.02, 0.03,0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7,0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54,55, 56, 57, 58, or 59 seconds. The sensor 520, for example, can alsomeasure the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the producedwater stream 115 in timed intervals of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5,5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5,13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5,20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27,27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, or 30 minutes. In various embodiments, thetime interval where the sensor 520 can measure the physical and/orchemical characteristics of the produced water stream 115 is preferablya range of between any two of the above specified time intervals. In oneembodiment, the sensor 520 measure the physical and/or chemicalcharacteristics of the produced water stream 115 continuously. In oneembodiment, the sensor 520 is an inductive conductivity sensor. In oneembodiment, the sensor 520 includes an ion specific electrode.

The sampling piping 500 preferably extends into the bore 301 of theproduced water pipe 300 and includes inlet 505 for receiving the portionof the produced water flowing through the produced water pipe 300. Thesampling pipe 500 also includes an outlet 510 that opens into the bore502 and is sized and shaped to receive an adapter 560 including thesensor 520 such that the adapter 560 seals the outlet 510 and positionsthe sensor 520 within the bore 501 of the sampling piping 500. In oneembodiment, the sampling piping 500 may include a plurality of outlets510. As shown in FIG. 9, the outlet 510 preferably has an outer surfaceand external male threads 511 on the outer surface near the top of theoutlet 510 and has an annular recess at the top of the outlet 510 forreceiving an annular gasket 512. The adapter 560 preferably has an innersurface and internal female threads on the inner surface near the bottomof the adapter 560. When the adapter 560 is screwed onto the outlet 510,the external male threads 511 engage the female threads of the adapter560 to create a seal 513.

The sensor 520 can be removed from the adapter 560 such that the sensor520 can be replaced if it fails.

As the portion of the produced water stream enters through the inlet 505and flows through the bore 502 of the sampling piping 500, the portionof the produced water stream preferably flows around, through the sensor520 and exits the sampling piping 500 via an outlet 570, and back intothe bore 301 of the produced water pipe 300.

The sampling piping 500 may also include a plurality of valves 540,550.The valves 540,550 are preferably positioned upstream and downstream ofthe outlet 510 and control the flow of the portion of produced waterstream through the bore 502 of the sampling piping 500. The valves540,550 can prevent the portion of the produced water stream fromflowing through the bore 502 of the sampling piping 500. The preventionof the portion of the produced water stream from flowing through thesampling piping 500 could be used, for example, to allow for thereplacement of the sensor 520 without having to stop the produced waterstream 115.

FIG. 1 also shows an embodiment of the present invention in that theflow controller system/apparatus 200 includes sampling piping 500′. Thesampling piping 500′ has a bore 502′. In this embodiment, a portion ofthe fresh water flowing through the fresh water pipe 400 may be divertedthrough the bore 502′ of the sampling piping 500′, where a sensor 520′extending into the bore 502′ measures physical and/or chemicalcharacteristics of the fresh water stream 165 in time intervals. FIG. 9shows a view of the sensor 520′. In one embodiment, the sampling piping500′ may include a plurality of sensors 520′. The sensors 520′preferably measure the physical and/or chemical characteristics of thefresh water stream 165 in timed intervals. The sensors 520′ canpreferably measure but are not be limited to: pH, oxidation/reductionpotential, turbidity/haze, total oxygen demand, viscosity, ionicstrength/conductivity, specific chemical and/or metals concentrations,ionic strength/conductivity, specific chemical concentrations, density,crystallization temperature, biocide and/or microbial demand, free andtotal bromine/chlorine and/or bromine/chlorine residuals, andcombinations thereof. The sensor 520′, for example, can measure thephysical and/or chemical characteristics of the fresh water stream 165in timed intervals of 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08,0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43,44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, or 59seconds. The sensor 520′, for example, can also measure the physicaland/or chemical characteristics of the fresh water stream 165 in timedintervals of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8,8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5,16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5 23,23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, or 30minutes. In various embodiments, the time interval where the sensor 520′can measure the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the freshwater stream 165 is preferably a range of between any two of the abovespecified time intervals. In one embodiment, the sensor 520′ measure thephysical and/or chemical characteristics of the fresh water stream 165continuously. In one embodiment, the sensor 520′ is an inductiveconductivity sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor 520′ includes an ionspecific electrode.

The sampling piping 500′ preferably extends into the bore 401 of thefresh water pipe 400 and includes inlet 505 for receiving the portion ofthe fresh water flowing through the fresh water pipe 400. The samplingpipe 500′ also includes an outlet 510′ that opens into the bore 502′ andis sized and shaped to receive an adapter 560′ including the sensor 520′such that the adapter 560′ seals the outlet 510′ and positions thesensor 520′ within the bore 501 of the sampling piping 500′. In oneembodiment, the sampling piping 500′ may include a plurality of outlets510′. As shown in FIG. 9, the outlet 510′ preferably has an outersurface and external male threads 511′ on the outer surface near the topof the outlet 510′ and has an annular recess at the top of the outlet510′ for receiving an annular gasket 512. The adapter 560′ preferablyhas an inner surface and internal female threads on the inner surfacenear the bottom of the adapter 560′. When the adapter 560′ is screwedonto the outlet 510′, the external male threads 511′ engage the femalethreads of the adapter 560′ to create a seal 513′.

The sensor 520′ can be removed from the adapter 560′ such that thesensor 520′ can be replaced if it fails.

As the portion of the fresh water enters through the inlet 505′ andflows through the bore 502′ of the sampling piping 500′, the portion ofthe fresh water preferably flows around and/or through the sensor 520′and exits the sampling piping 500′ via an outlet 570′, and back into thebore 401 of the fresh water pipe 400.

The sampling piping 500′ may also include a plurality of valves540′,550′. The valves 540′,550′ are preferably positioned upstream anddownstream of the outlet 510′ and control the flow of the portion offresh water through the bore 502′ of the sampling piping 500′. Thevalves 540′,550′ can prevent the portion of the portion of fresh waterfrom flowing through the bore 502′ of the sampling piping 500′. Theprevention of the portion of the portion of the fresh water stream fromflowing through the sampling piping 500′ could be used, for example, toallow for the replacement of the sensor 520′ without having to stop thefresh water stream 165.

Events Under which Method and Apparatus can Issue Alarms

In various embodiments the method and apparatus 10 can issue an alarmwhere the method and apparatus 10 determines that either the targetvalue for the physical and/or chemical characteristic of the blendedstream 1100 appears to not be able to be met by differential and/orfractional blending of pressurized streams 115 and 165 whilesubstantially meeting the target value for the flow rates of blendedstream 1100.

The first event would occur where the actual physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic of both streams 115 and 165 exceed the target value forthe physical and/or chemical characteristic of the blended stream 1100.The second event would occur where the actual physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic of both streams 115 and 165 are less than the targetvalue for the physical and/or chemical characteristic of the blendedstream 1100. In both of these situations no amount of fractionalblending of streams 115 and 165 will result in the out of range targetvalue. In these situations the method and apparatus can issue a warningsignal.

The third event would could occur where the pump volume capacity foreither stream 115 and/or 165 is less than the target value for the flowrate of the blended stream 1100. This under capacity flow rate situationcould cause a failure of the method and apparatus to obtain a “blended”target value for the predefined physical and/or chemical characteristicof the blended stream 1100. For example, if the target flow rate in theblended stream is 50 gallons per minute and each of the pumpspressurizing streams 115 and 165 are rated at 35 gallons per minute,there is a chance that the required fractional blending in one of thestreams will exceed 35 gallons a minute rated flow rate capacity of thepump for the stream. In this case the controller 600 could issue awarning that the required fractional flow rate could not be obtained. Inthis case, the controller 600 could issue a warning when either valve340 or 440 is 100 open preventing additional flow from the stream whosevalve is already 100 percent open (and vice versa if either valve 340 or440 is 100 closed). To avoid this situation it is preferred that therated capacity of the pumps all exceed the target value for the flowrate of the blended stream 1100. Another way to address the issue wouldbe to have variable flow rate pumps whose rated capacity each exceed thetarget value for the flow rate of the blended stream 1100, and havecontroller 600 control the pumps to increase as needed their pumpingcapacity. Another way to address this issue is to reduce the targetvalue for the flow rate of the blended stream 1100, and issue a warningto the user.

In various embodiments the method and apparatus can go through a type oferror checking for blending to obtaining the target value for thepredefined physical and/or chemical characteristic of the blended stream1100. In various embodiments it is assumed that the controller 600 isprogrammed to know which stream 115 or 165 has a higher physical and/orchemical characteristic compared to the target value of the predefinedphysical and/or chemical characteristic of the blended stream 1100. Ifthe measured physical and/or chemical characteristic of the blendedstream (e.g., by sensor 1050 or 1050′) is lower than the target valuethen the method and apparatus 10 will increase the fractional amount ofthe stream (either 115 or 165) having the higher value (on the otherhand if higher blended value sense then the controller 600 will increasethe fractional amount of the stream (either 115 or 165) having the lowervalue). If method and apparatus performs this step of increasing ordecreasing the fractional value and then retests the value of theblended stream 1100 and determines that the discrepancy from themeasured value of the blended stream to the target value for the blendedstream has increased rather than decreased, then the method andapparatus can switch to fractionally increasing the other pressurizedstream to check to determine if this switch causes the discrepancy fromthe measured value of the blended stream to the target value for theblended stream to decrease, and if so continue to fractional increasethe flow rate of this same stream until discrepancy from the measuredvalue of the blended stream to the target value for the blended streamfalls within a predefined acceptable discrepancy range in the targetvalue for the blended stream 1100.

In one embodiment the method and apparatus can issue a warning wherefractionally changing the flow rates of pressurized streams 115 and 165does not alter the measured value of the blended stream 1100. This isexpected to occur where the physical and/or chemical characteristics forboth streams 115 and 165 are substantially the same. In variousembodiments this warning can occur where the change in the measuredvalue of the blended stream is less than a predefined minimum change. Invarious embodiments this predefined minimum change can be at least 0.1,0.2, 0.3, 0.5, and 1 percent. In various embodiments this change can bewithin a range of between any two of the above specified percentageminimums.

In various embodiments the method and apparatus can use one or moreblending units in series with each other.

Embodiments Illustrating Serial Blending

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-line combination (offirst pressurized stream 152 and second pressurized stream 154 combinedinto pressurized input stream 150) before being controllably blendedwith another pressurized stream 100 using the method and apparatus 10.In this figure the method and apparatus 10 would include flow controllersystem/apparatus 200 as described in other embodiments with its exitingpressurized streams 110 and 160 being blended and/or mixed in blendingunit 800 yielding blended output stream 900 for which a target physicalor chemical characteristic is to be achieved.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative embodimentwhere multiple flow controller systems/apparatuses 200,200′ are placedin a serial configuration. FIG. 15 schematically shows method andapparatus 10 including a final flow controller system/apparatus 200 asdescribed in previous embodiments with its particular exitingpressurized streams 110 and 160 being blended and/or mixed in blendingunit 800 and ultimately yielding blended output stream 900 for whichblended output stream a target physical or chemical characteristic isachieved along with achieving a target flow rate (both targets beingwithin their respective bands of error for their respectivepredesignated target values as described in other embodiments). However,one or both of the pressurized input streams 100 and/or 150 (flowinginto downstream system/apparatus 200) can themselves have multiplepressurized input streams (e.g., pressurized input streams 150′ and150″whose relative flow rates are themselves controlled bysystem/apparatus 200′. In FIG. 15 system/apparatus 200′ is shown ashaving its blended output stream 900′ being the pressurized input stream150 to system/apparatus 200.

In FIG. 15 blended output stream 900′ would itself have a predesignatedtarget physical or chemical characteristics to be achieved within apredesignated maximum error range of this predesignated target physicalor chemical characteristics for the blended stream 900′, along withachieving a predesignated target flow rate for this blended outputstream 900′ within a predesignated maximum error range for said flowrate, and this blended output stream 900′ becomes the pressurized inputstream 150 for another downstream system/apparatus 200, whichpressurized input stream 150 is then controllably blended with anotherpressurized input stream 100 for achieving predesignated target physicalor chemical characteristics of pressurized output stream 900, along withachieving a target flow rate for pressurized output stream 900(achieving both targets being within the target's respective allowablebands of deviations from their respective predesignated target values).

In various embodiments controller 600 can use “PRE” readings as well ina “Cascade” control scheme. With the cascade control scheme, controller600 can adjust flow rate(s) according to a change in input level toavoid/preempt a discrepancy in the actual flow rate compared to a targetflow rate.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

The following is a list of reference numerals used in thisspecification:

Reference Numeral Description 10 system 20 natural water source (lake,river, stream, etc) 30 pump 31 pump control line 40 water well (fresh orbrine) 50 pump 51 pump control line 60 earthen pit (on or off location)70 pump 71 pump control line 80 frac tank(s) (single or battery) 90 pump91 pump control line 100 produced water stream input 110 produced waterstream output 115 produced water stream 120 above ground storage tank130 pump 131 pump control line 150 fresh water stream input 152 firstfeed stream 154 second feed stream 160 fresh water stream output 165fresh water stream 200 flow controller system/apparatus 300 producedwater pipe 301 bore 305 pig catcher 310 inlet 320 outlet 330 flow meter340 valve 350 flow meter line 360 valve control line 400 fresh waterpipe 401 bore 405 pig catcher 410 inlet 420 outlet 430 flow meter 440valve 450 flow meter line 460 valve control line 500, 500′ samplingpiping 501, 501′ adapter 502, 502′ bore 505, 505′ inlet 510, 510′ outlet511, 511′ male threads 512, 512 gasket 513, 513′ seal 520, 520′ sensor530, 530′ sensor line 540, 540′ valve 550, 550′ valve 560, 560′ bore570, 570′ outlet 600 controller 610 display interface 620 flow meterconverter for produced water stream 630 flow meter converter for freshwater stream 800 blending manifold 810 inlet 820 inlet 830 inlet 840inlet 850 mixing if the produced water stream output 110 and fresh waterstream output 160 860 plurality of outlets 861 outlet 900 plurality ofoutlet lines 901 outlet line 910 end 930 outlet 950 outlet line 960section 970 section 1000, 1000′ downstream sampling apparatus 1010,1010′ outlet 1020, 1020′ outlet 1030, 1030′ piping 1031, 1031′ samplingpiping 1032, 1032′ bore 1033, 1033 bore 1040, 1040′ inlet 1050, 1050′sensor(s) 1060, 1060′ outlet 1070, 1070′ valve 1080, 1080′ samplingapparatus sensor line 1090, 1090′ inlet 1095, 1095′ adapter 1096, 1096′male threads 1097, 1097′ annular gasket 1098, 1098′ seal 1100 blendedwater stream 1101 blended/commingled aqueous fluid/water 1200 fractank(s) 1300 line to near sources/destination 1310 nearsources/destination 1400, 1400′ flowchart 1405, 1405′ step 1410, 1410′step 1415, 1415′ step 1420, 1420′ step 1425, 1425′ step 1430, 1430′ step1435, 1435′ step 1440, 1440′ step 1445, 1445′ step 1450, 1450′ step1455, 1455′ step 1460, 1460′ step 1465, 1465′ step 1470, 1470′ step1475, 1475′ step 1480, 1480′ step 1485, 1485′ step 1490, 1490′ step1495, 1495′ step 1500, 1500′ step 1505, 1505′ step 1510, 1510′ step1515, 1515′ step 1520, 1520′ step 1525, 1525′ step 1530, 1530′ step1535, 1535′ step 1540, 1540′ step 1545, 1545′ step 1550, 1550′ step1555, 1555′ step 1565, 1565′ step 1570, 1570′ step 1575, 1575′ step1580, 1580′ step 1585, 1585′ step 1590, 1590′ step 1600 flowchart 1605step 610 step 1615 step 1620 step 1625 step 1630 step 1635 step 1640step 1645 step 1650 step 1655 step 1660 step 1665 step 1670 step 1675step 1680 step 1685 step

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise.

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; thescope of the present invention is to be limited only by the followingclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for controlled delivery of a fluidfor well bore operations comprising: a) providing a plurality ofpressurized sources of an aqueous base fluid having respective flowrates, and providing at least one target predetermined physical and/orchemical characteristic value; b) blending at least two of thepressurized sources of aqueous base fluid creating a blended pressurizedsource of aqueous base fluid at an overall target blended flow rate; c)testing the blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid todetermine the blended source's at least one physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic value; d) comparing the tested at least one physicaland/or chemical characteristic data of the blended pressurized source ofaqueous base fluid of step “b” to the target at least one targetpredetermined physical and/or chemical characteristic value to identifyif they match; e) based on the comparison made in step “d” altering theflow rates of at least two of the plurality of pressurized sources ofaqueous base fluid of step “a” while maintaining substantially the sametarget overall blended flow rate; and f) repeating steps “c” through “e”until the blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid matches theat least one target predetermined physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic value.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the testing ofstep “c” occurs at predetermined time intervals, and wherein thepredetermined time intervals range from 0.01 seconds to 30 minutes. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein the testing of step “c” occurs atpredetermined time intervals, and wherein the predetermined timeintervals range from 1 minute to 5 minutes.
 4. The method of claim 2,wherein steps “d” and “e” occur within the predetermined time intervals.5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one target predeterminedphysical and/or chemical characteristics is an indicator of chlorinecontent blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid, after step“f”, further comprising the step of providing the blended pressurizedsource of aqueous base fluid to a wellbore for use in frackingoperations.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one targetpredetermined physical and/or chemical characteristics fall within arange of less than five percent deviation from a set of base targets ofpredetermined physical and/or chemical characteristics.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein step “e” is performed without comparing the at leastone physical and/or chemical characteristic data for the at least twopressurized sources of aqueous base fluid.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein: (i) one of the at least two pressurized sources of aqueous basefluid has a first flow rate and another of the at least two pressurizedsources of aqueous base has a second flow rate; (ii) during step “d” afirst differential value is calculated for the at least one testedphysical and/or chemical characteristic data of the blended pressurizedsource of aqueous base fluid of step “b” and the at least onepredetermined target physical and/or chemical characteristic data of theblended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid, (iii) after the firstdifferential value is calculated, the first flow rate is reduced and thesecond flow rate increased, and step “d” is repeated and a seconddifferential value is calculated for the at least one tested physicaland/or chemical characteristic data of the blended pressurized source ofaqueous base fluid of step “b” and the at least one predetermined targetphysical and/or chemical characteristic data of the blended pressurizedsource of aqueous base fluid, and if, the second differential value issmaller than the first differential value then the first flow rate isreduced again and the second flow rate increased again, but if thesecond differential value is larger than the first differential valuethen the first flow rate is increased and the second flow ratedecreased.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein (i) one of the at least twopressurized sources of aqueous base fluid has a first flow rate andanother of the at least two pressurized sources of aqueous base has asecond flow rate; (ii) during step “d” a first differential value iscalculated for the at least one tested physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic data of the blended pressurized source of aqueous basefluid of step “b” and the at least one predetermined target physicaland/or chemical characteristic data of the blended pressurized source ofaqueous base fluid, (iii) after the first differential value iscalculated, the first flow rate is reduced and the second flow rateincreased, and step “d” is repeated and a second differential value iscalculated for the at least one tested physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic data of the blended pressurized source of aqueous basefluid of step “b” and the at least one predetermined target physicaland/or chemical characteristic data of the blended pressurized source ofaqueous base fluid, and where the second differential value has lessthan a one percent change from the first differential value a warning isgenerated.
 10. A method of creating a source of blended aqueous basefluid comprising the steps of: a) providing a plurality of pressurizedsources of an aqueous base fluid having first and second flow rates forcreating a blended pressurized flow having a blended target flow rateand at least one target predetermined physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic data; b) blending the pressurized sources fluid creatinga blended pressurized stream of aqueous base fluid of the target flowrate; c) testing the blended pressurized stream aqueous base fluid todetermine the blended stream's physical and chemical characteristics; d)comparing the at least one tested physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic data of the blended stream of step “b” to the at leastone target physical and/or chemical characteristic data; e) based on thecomparison made in step “d” a controller altering the first and secondflow rates while maintaining substantially the same target blended flowrate; and f) repeating steps “c” through “e” until the blendedpressurized stream of aqueous base fluid achieves the predeterminedphysical and chemical characteristics.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the testing of step “c” occurs at predetermined time intervals,and wherein the predetermined time intervals range from 0.01 seconds to30 minutes.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the testing of step “c”occurs at predetermined time intervals, and wherein the predeterminedtime intervals ranges from 1 minute to 5 minutes.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein steps “d” and “e” occur within the predetermined timeintervals.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one targetpredetermined physical and/or chemical characteristic is an indicator ofchlorine content in the blended pressurized stream source of aqueousbase fluid, after step “f”, further comprising the step of providing theblended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid to a wellbore for usein fracking operations.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the at leastone target predetermined physical and/or chemical characteristic datafalls within a range of less than five percent deviation from a base atleast one target of predetermined physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic data.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein step “e” isperformed without comparing physical and/or chemical characteristic datafor the plurality of pressurized sources of aqueous base fluid.
 17. Themethod of claim 10, wherein a first pump is fluidly connected to one ofthe plurality of pressurized sources of aqueous base fluid having thefirst flow rate and a second pump is fluidly connected to another of theat least two pressurized sources of aqueous base having the second flowrate, and during step “e” the first pump is operated to change the firstflow rate and the second pump is operated to change the second flowrate.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first pump has a firstpump maximum flow rate and the second pump has a maximum second pumpflow rate, and a warning signal is given where either the first pumpmaximum flow rate and/or second pump maximum flow rate is reached duringstep “e”.
 19. The method of claim 10, wherein (i) one of the pluralityof pressurized sources of aqueous base fluid has the first flow rate andanother of the plurality of pressurized sources of aqueous base has thesecond flow rate; (ii) during step “d” a first differential value iscalculated for the tested physical and/or chemical characteristic dataof the blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid of step “b” andthe at least one predetermined target physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic data of the blended pressurized source of aqueous basefluid, (iii) after the first differential value is calculated, the firstflow rate is reduced and the second flow rate increased, and step “d” isrepeated and a second differential value is calculated for the at leastone tested physical and/or chemical characteristic data of the blendedpressurized source of aqueous base fluid of step “b” and the at leastone predetermined target physical and/or chemical characteristic data ofthe blended pressurized source of aqueous base fluid, and if, the seconddifferential value is smaller than the first differential value then thefirst flow rate is reduced again and the second flow rate increasedagain, but if the second differential value is larger than the firstdifferential value then the first flow rate is increased and the secondflow rate decreased.
 20. The method of claim 10, wherein (i) one of theplurality of pressurized sources of aqueous base fluid has the firstflow rate and another of the plurality of pressurized sources of aqueousbase has a second flow rate; (ii) during step “d” a first differentialvalue is calculated for the at least one tested physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic data of the blended pressurized source of aqueous basefluid of step “b” and the at least one predetermined target physicaland/or chemical characteristic data of the blended pressurized source ofaqueous base fluid, (iii) after the first differential value iscalculated, the first flow rate is reduced and the second flow rateincreased, and step “d” is repeated and a second differential value iscalculated for the at least one tested physical and/or chemicalcharacteristic data of the blended pressurized source of aqueous basefluid of step “b” and the at least one predetermined target physicaland/or chemical characteristic data of the blended pressurized source ofaqueous base fluid, and where the second differential value has lessthan a one percent change from the first differential value a warning isgenerated.